Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Read this and thought it was worth sharing:Dear Lord,

So far today, I am doing all right. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. However, I am going to get out of bed in a few minutes, and I will need a lot of help after that. Amen.

I would like to read just a few inspired statements that will help us to understand how important attitude is. Here is one from the book Reflecting Christ, 303. "The character we cultivate, the attitude we assume today, is fixing our future destiny." What is it doing? It is fixing our future destiny. Here is another one. "His spirit, his attitude and actions, are delineated on the record above, and will determine whether or not he can be trusted with the eternal riches of heaven." Signs of the Times, February 20, 1896.

Attitude is important, of life-and-death importance.There are many things in life that reveal our attitude.The Word of God goes right to the heart to discern the thoughts and the intents of the heart. Now the intent of the heart is your attitude.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's way.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

What is a habit anyway? A habit is anything that we do that has a controlling influence on our lives...it becomes part of us. It could be smoking, drinking, excessive eating, chewing gum, twisting paper clips as we listen, saying "you know" every few words, drinking coffee every half hour and so on...QUOTE: St. Augustine said, "A Habit, if not resisted, soon becomes a necessity." My doctor told me that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit or begin a good habit. She was encouraging me because of a new food regiment she was about to put me on and if I stuck to it for 21 days, it would become a good habit. For some reason that seemed possible when she put it that way.I feel for people who are addicted to bad habits because I know how difficult it is to give up something that is bad for us. It almost seems crazy when you can't give up something that will eventually harm you right? But the bondage is so great so I thought my doctors motivating words might motivate someone else.Habits are first cobwebs, then cables.

The good news is that chronic worrying is a mental habit you can learn how to break.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Recently my husband and I have been burdened for individuals that we care for and taking time to pray for their difficulties. It wasn't within our control to be able to do anything but we can always pray. We are grateful to those who share their hearts because they do not want to bear their burdens alone even if all we can do is listen and pray.

This was a particularly difficult week and in the midst of it we received a surprise package. Our niece Theresa had sent a box full of gifts for us from Delaware. Our hearts were overwhelmed because we were not expecting it and it was so nice to know that someone had us on their heart. God knew we needed to be shown love that particular day and he used her to bring us joy!

My husband received clothes which are always his favorite and I received a beautiful piece of artwork that she had done herself. I had chills when I opened up the framed flower she had put together because she inspires me with her beautiful artwork. I put it somewhere I can see every day as a reminder that God is faithful to show us His love through others. It was the encouragement we needed and we are grateful!

Monday, December 22, 2014

When Eve held her babies in her arms I am sure it is much like we all do when we have our own children. We begin to hope and dream a bright future for each of them. Eve didn't dream that one child would grow up to be jealous of the other. She certainly never dreamed one would kill the other. As parents we are so devastated when our dreams for our children begin to unravel.

Adam and Eve passed on the curse of their own sin to their children as we do ourselves. Fortunately, God in His mercy gave them another child named Seth and hope for the future. It is easy for us to look at other parents and see all their mistakes but not always our own. Before we blame Eve for the demise of her son or any other parents for their own weaknesses we have to realize how truly broken we ourselves are too.

For ALL have sinned and that means ALL.....I look back now on my own life and can see more of my own mistakes as a mom than the mistakes of all the other moms around me. When I was a young mom I didn't see my own mistakes but I do now, it's called hindsight. If I had advice as a grandmother to younger mom's it would be not to judge other parents because there is so much more going on than you yourself can possibly know or see. It will be revealed later in your life so until that time just be kind to everyone and ask God to guide you moment by moment with your children.

And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh.Then men began to call on the name of the Lord. Genesis 4:25-26

This picture was taken on a road along the Mediterranean Sea leading to

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Judges 1:1 A time came after the death of Joshua when the People of Israel asked God, “Who will take the lead in going up against the Canaanites to fight them?”

Even
though the people of Israel had won their battles in the book of Joshua
there were still more battles to be fought. It is a reminder that
no matter how long we have been Christians there are still personal and
spiritual battles to be fought in our own lives. We never come to a
place in our life where everything is figured out and all is well or we
have arrived. There is always something within us that must be dealt
with or conquered.The same God that watched over the people of Israel is the same God today to watch over all of us. God will guide us and help us to be more what He has created us to be......

Friday, December 19, 2014

When
Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main
road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the
shortest
route to the Promised Land. Exodus 13:17a

As children we begin to dream or plan of what we want to be when we grow up. When I was young I believed that I would be a missionary in some far away country leading people to Christ and a better life. I never saw myself married or having children. Instead I have been married, divorced, re-married with 4 children and 11 grandkids. I have served in ministry since the age of 21 here in South Florida and to some people this is a far away country. God
had a different plan for my life and it is not at all the plan I was
making in my head.
When I read the passages of scripture in Exodus it
reminds me that God controls our destiny as He did the destiny of the
Israeli nation. Life brings us things that we do not always understand
what the purpose is in our lives and the lives of those around us. This
is where our faith comes in and we must trust God in what He is doing.

Everything
God does in our lives is about His Kingdom so I have learned not to
take it personally when my life takes a different path. There are many
things I did not plan such as dealing with alcoholism and drug
addiction with family members. This is an area of difficulty for me to watch family and
friends who are ruining their lives with their addictions. I used to
believe I had all the spiritual answers to assist them to change their
behavior only to be disappointed. I now realize I can't change anyone not even myself but I can continue to pray for them and help when they ask.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path - Psalm 119:105Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see. ~ Corrie ten BoomThe story of Corrie ten Boom who survived a Nazi death camp is a great example of courage and strength in the midst of the most horrific circumstances. Most of her family died in those death camps but yet she realized that her life spared was a gift from God. She stated that "there is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still" and "God will give us the love to be able to forgive our enemies." At age 53, Corrie ten Boom began a world-wide ministry which took her into more that 60 countries in the next 33 years! She testified to God's love and encouraged all she met with the message that "Jesus is Victor." Take time to read her website: http://www.corrietenboom.comWhen life seems hard take time to remember those like Corrie ten Boom who took their sacrifices of life and shared God's love, mercy and grace. We don't always see what God is doing in our own life to make us a better reflection of Him.Traveling with the Lord is not about being able to see where our journey leads but trusting in the one who leads!

This is a picture I took of my grandkids that I had sitting on top of my desk at home, September 2013.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

God gives us the gift of forgiveness. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.I John 1:9

God gives us the gift of salvation if we will trust in Him. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Another one of God's gifts to us is the Holy Spirit the moment we become a believer. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, self-control and faith. These are the qualities that God says, I put into your life when you let me live through you. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

God also gives us the gift of special abilities which are called Spiritual Gifts. They are the abilities you need to get the job done that God wants you to do. “Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in serving of others. So use your gift well.” 1 Peter 4:10

Spiritual gifts produce spiritual results!

This picture was taken January 2014 when I was teaching the kids a few weeks ago at church and we made these bracelets to help in memorizing John 3:16.

Monday, December 8, 2014

John 14:15-18 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

God'sgift to us is the Holy Spirit who indwells in us and gives us peace that passes all understanding; which means we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is like a suit of armor that prepares us for life's daily battles. The Holy Spirit goes out into our daily conflicts and protects our front, backs, sides and insides; our whole being.

The Holy Spirit is God’s moment-by-moment provision for strength, courage, boldness, victory and the abundant life. It’s for you and it’s God’s plan for your life!
Focusing on worst-case scenarios won’t keep bad things from happening. It will only keep you from enjoying the good things you have in the present."A godly woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her."

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.written December 10, 2010: Christmas is one of my favorite times of year because of the festive decorations, parties and most people just seem to be in good spirits....I don't care for the shopping and spending money on things we would not normally purchase any other time of year but overall it is still one of my favorite holidays! With my kids and grand-kids I try to just spend time in celebration as much as possible and on the 25th I cook up a traditional southern breakfast.This is something I have done all of their lives and it is the only tradition that we still carry on today. I am so grateful because it is a wonderful family time and we are in agreement to keep it going. I feel it is the BEST part of our day together!Some years my mother travels from Spain to spend the holidays with us so that makes it even more special. Also, I use as many family members things to add to the tradition such as my dads dishes, my grandmothers goblets & my mother n laws trays so their memories live on with us....It's just a magical time of year for us as a family ~ It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. - W. T. Ellis

Sunday, December 7, 2014

2 Corinthians 4:8-9,"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but
not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed.According to the weather report all is quiet in the tropics right now
and as I was reading this I thought how great it would be if we all had
a radar to watch to see when a storm of life is about to come our way
personally. Unfortunately life is not that way at all so we have to be
prepared spiritually each and every day as we may face a new day where
all may be quiet or we may face a day where we have a Category 5
coming. One never knows what each day may bring but we can take comfort
in knowing that God knows and watches over us and is able to protect
and prepare us for the storms we will be facing.Life is so full of storms it seems, just like hurricane season they
come when you are not ready and when you least expect it and you are
never prepared. Who can prepare for the day to day dramas that affect
all of us in one way or the other except to trust in God to take
care of us in the midst of each crisis. The hope we have that he is
continuously holding on to us as the storms of life are knocking us
down and that we will be able to get back up and go on with our life
once again.I think about the young men and women giving their life in the war for
all of us here to have a better quality of life and the men and women
before them. Personally, I have not had to give up my life for
anything or anyone. I feel blessed and privileged to know that there
are people I do not even know who are fighting for you and me. That
encourages me to keep going no matter what storm I may be facing today. These are people who see something bigger than themselves and
are willing to take a risk daily for something they believe in.During the last few
years of hurricanes, like everyone else has experienced, every plant in
my yard died except one bougainvillea. It actually bloomed even more
after the hurricane and that reminded me so much of people in my own life that persevere through it all. They are such an
encouragement to me and my family as they bloom
in this garden called life!My prayer and challenge today is to be more like the bougainvillea and that I may bloom more after the storms passes. (written in 2006 during Hurricane Season)

Saturday, December 6, 2014

But those who wait on the LordShall renew their strength;They shall mount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Sometimes, like mountains, our mind can seem overloaded with too much to do, fears,
struggles, and heartaches. We can feel overwhelmed from all the noise in our heads. In those times, however, remember that
we have a remarkable resource. We have a heavenly Father who stands
ready to help us climb that mountain. God is capable of handling the mountains in our minds that overwhelm us.Dear
Lord, I have too much going on in my mind and in my life. I have no
idea where to begin or how to get it all done. I am tired, frustrated
and worn out. Lord, give me the strength to do all that needs to be done
and help me to know what I need to eliminate from my life in order to
have the right balance. I am trusting that with your strength and
wisdom, I will be able to conquer this mountain in my mind.

This picture was taken when I visited Ronda Spain in 2012. Around the city of Ronda are remains of prehistoric settlements.

Friday, December 5, 2014

I waited patiently for the Lord;And He inclined to me,And heard my cry.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,Out of the miry clay,And set my feet upon a rock,And established my steps.

He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God;Many will see it and fear,And will trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3

David
is praising God for the time he waited for his prayers to be answered.
How many of us are waiting on God for the healing of a loved one, for a
prodigal child to return, for a family member to change, for our hearts
to no longer grieve. Waiting is hard! As David looks back on his wait on
God, he praises God for a hymn of praise in his heart.

When
God keeps me waiting I find that my prayer may not be answered but
my heart changes and He does give me joyful endurance. God is able to
help us to love and trust Him enough to wait with joy and to see it as
an opportunity to praise Him anyways.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!Thou art the Potter, I am the clay;Mold me and make me after Thy will,While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

There used to be a frontier of exploration in this country. In this day and age it may seem there is nothing new to discover. I truly believe that this is probably how they felt during the Roman Empire and every generation before and after.

God has still so much more for us to learn and we need to continue searching. Every day we hear and see new things being built and created. We need to realize that there is still a frontier of discovery within our own grasp!
God created and continues to work in and through us. We need to be open and receptive to the gifts which He can bring into our lives each and every day. Imagine the possibilities! God is not done yet.

We need to have the faith of those before us and not be defeated by the lies of defeat from Satan. Our God is still in the business of miracles if we will allow Him to use us as He did all those we read about in the scriptures.
We are not in the "final frontier" of life so keep on working towards whatever it is that He may have for your life! Never give up, or give in to the thought of failure. God has our back!Satan wants to keep you looking back so that he can keep you from moving forward. -Tony Evans.

This picture was taken when we visited Charleston, South Carolina ~ March 2013

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

To everything there is a season,A time for every purpose under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1There are dozens of seasons in our life. Here are some of the seasons according to Ecclesiastes 3:2-8.A time to be born,And a time to die;A time to plant,And a time to pluck what is planted;3 A time to kill,And a time to heal;A time to break down,And a time to build up;4 A time to weep,And a time to laugh;A time to mourn,And a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones,And a time to gather stones;A time to embrace,And a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to gain,And a time to lose;A time to keep,And a time to throw away;7 A time to tear,And a time to sew;A time to keep silence,And a time to speak;8 A time to love,And a time to hate;A time of war,And a time of peace.Ask yourself in whatever season of life you are in today, "What can I learn from this season of my life?" Prayer: Lord, I want to trust you in every season of my life ~ good and bad!

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Romans 8:27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Everyone
has the feeling they are always fighting the good angel and the evil
demon on their shoulders. When I hear the evil demon telling me what to
do, I know it is my own wicked flesh talking. When I hear the good angel
telling me what to do, I know it is the Holy Spirit living within
me.When I give in to my flesh it always gets me into trouble. When I
listen to the Holy Spirit it leads me to a path of peace.

We
don't always know the right thing to do but the Holy Spirit living
inside of us does so we need to listen and obey. Pray for God to make
all things clear and it will be made clear. Listen for God's voice in
your heart and life to direct to what is right. It will never be
contrary to God's Word. Listen carefully and completely.

How do we hear?

Through prayer, God's Word and obeying His Word!

This picture was taken when I was traveling on the coast of Mississippi in 2009.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Why is it so difficult to say no to people? Most of us want to be able to do everything and anything to be a help. I'm sure it is probably not a healthy motive but probably a common reason why most people take on too much responsibility. We enjoy being needed and involved especially when it is a cause or occasion that we like but too much of a good thing can some times be difficult to manage.When we take on too much it can affect our outlook on everything. Personally I would sign up for everything so I usually ask my husband for his input before I make any decision. I sure wish I had done that early in our marriage because it would have eliminated so much stress in my own life. Unfortunately I believed then he was a "kill joy" so most of the time I would volunteer without his approval only to end up needing his assistance to help me accomplish the task. It's a wonder he didn't suffocate me in my sleep with all the added stress I'm sure I caused him but he instead took care of the situation and always made my work look better, now that's a good husband.Everyone wants a life that is manageable and peaceful! It takes careful organizing and planning of our time. This is an area where I have always struggled and work on daily with the help of my husband who is more realistic of my accomplishments. God's plan for our life is not chaos and stress so let's pray for daily guidance and direction!Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3